Hasbro's New G.I. JOE Collection Commemorates 60th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor

May 2001 (Newstream) -- December 7, 1941 likely began as most days did on the island paradise that is Oahu, Hawaii. But as the day unfolded, surprise Japanese bombers attacked the island's Pearl Harbor, forever altering the course of history. Sixty years have passed since the attack, but few can forget the impact of that single day on our nation, as it incited the United States' official entry into World War II. To commemorate the anniversary of the attack, Hasbro, Inc. has developed a new line of collectible, highly detailed G.I. JOE figures that celebrate the heroes of that day. Each item in the collector-targeted G.I. JOE Pearl Harbor Collection depicts a key event during or after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, such as the Diamond Head Lookout Invasion Alert figure, who transmitted the first notification, the Hickam Field Army Defender, who stood in defense of the surprise Japanese bombers, and the Battleship Row Defender, who was dressed in the white uniform he wore to attend the Sunday services on deck on the day of the attack.

"The G.I. JOE brand has a well-earned reputation of providing realistic, highly detailed collectible action figures that commemorate significant moments and heroes in our nation's history," said Brian Goldner, president of Hasbro's U.S. toy group. "The bombing of Pearl Harbor will forever reverberate in our nation's consciousness and will be a story told for generations to come. We are particularly proud to pay tribute to the brave men and women who courageously served during the attack through this special collection of G.I. JOE figures and accessories."

To further commemorate the heroes that served during the Pearl Harbor attack, Hasbro has made a donation to the USS Arizona Memorial Fund. "The G.I. JOE Pearl Harbor Collection helps to preserve the memory of those who took part on that historic day," states Maile Alau, Executive Director, USS Arizona Memorial Fund. "We are very grateful that Hasbro has made such a gracious donation to the USS Arizona Memorial Fund, which will help us continue to tell the many stories of Pearl Harbor."

• As the "day that will live in infamy" unfolded, Pearl Harbor's Hickam Field Army Defender (Approximate Retail Price: $14.99) was jolted into action. Armed and ready, the soldier stands in defense of surprise Japanese bombers. He is outfitted in khaki pants, white shirt, boots with leggings, eight ammo pouches, dog tags and WWI surplus helmet.
• The Pearl Harbor attack was at full throttle, and the Wheeler Field Army Pilot (Approximate Retail Price: $19.99) forces scrambled into action against the deadly Japanese Zeroes. Outfitted with B7 goggles, A8 helmet with leather ear cups, Class B uniform, dog tags and flight boots, the pilot also comes with a trophy of sorts -- the tail section of one of the conquered enemy attack planes.
• Sound the alert! The Diamond Head Lookout Invasion Alert figure (Approximate Retail Price: $24.99) is remembered in this 60th anniversary year of the peacetime attack. Featuring a two-way radio with microphone and headset that triggers the alert message, the figure also comes with a folding bench, shirt, pants, boots with leggings, campaign hat, dog tags and Springfield rifle with sling.
• The Pearl Harbor anniversary is reflected in a representation of the stricken American battleships. Valorously warding off the surprise aerial attack, the Battleship Row Defender (Approximate Retail Price: $29.99) figure is featured in the dress white uniform he donned to attend Sunday services on deck. This valiant sailor takes the gunner position in defense of the besieged ship.
• Recreate realistic battle scenes with Vicker's Machine Gun Pearl Harbor Figure Gear Set (Approximate Retail Price: $7.99). The set comes with authentic gear and accessories to outfit 12-inch G.I. JOE figures and working pieces, and specialized battlefield equipment to add to the realism that's uniquely G.I. JOE. Availability: July 2001

Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy at approximately 8:00 AM, Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. A striking force of 353 Japanese aircraft surprised the approximately 100 U.S. Navy ships that were present that morning, including battleships, destroyers, cruisers, and various support ships. Simultaneously, nearby Hickam Field was also the victim of the surprise attack. Eighteen Army Aircorps aircraft, including bombers, fighters and attack bombers, were destroyed or damaged on the ground. More than 3,500 servicemen and women and civilians were killed or wounded and numerous ships and aircraft were damaged or destroyed.

The G.I. JOE Pearl Harbor Collection is the latest in a series of historically significant G.I. JOE figures, including George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Buzz Aldrin, General Colin Powell, and John F. Kennedy. Introduced in 1964, G.I. JOE was America's first action figure, and remains synonymous with American heroism.

For more information about G.I. JOE, visit www.gijoe.com.

Source: Newstream
Graphic Courtesy of Newstream & Hasbro